Central men advance in national cross country rankings

Men's cross country | Sept. 19, 2012

PELLA— The Central College men’s cross country team has moved up two spots in the national rankings, improving to No. 25 in the NCAA Division III poll produced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

The Dutch were unranked in the pre-season poll, but debuted at No. 27 last week on the heels of two victories to start their 2012 campaign. The squad easily won their home invitational Sept. 1 and followed up with a convincing victory in a 13-team field at the Grinnell Les Duke Invitational Sept. 8.

Defending champion North Central (Ill.) held the top spot with all eight first-place votes. Iowa Conference foes Loras and Luther checked in at 21st and 32nd respectively.

The Dutch were idle last weekend, but will return to action with a partial men’s squad at the Grand View Invitational Friday. The men’s race is slated to begin at 5 p.m.